How to Store Fruits and Vegetables

One of my favorite things about summer is all of the fresh produce that is available at your fingertips. Whether you're growing your own, visiting your local farmer's market, or berry picking with your kids, there's something satisfying about it.

The downside?

You get home and throw some stuff in the fridge and others on the counter. A few days later, you're finding things even the dog won't eat.

Frustrating, right?

Well, I've got some information that may save you some money!

First of all, NEVER store fruits and vegetables together.

One of the reasons that thousands of pounds of food are thrown out each year, is that certain foods give off gases that make it impossible for other foods to survive.

See...it's not you. It's science.

Certain fruits give off ethylene, which are deadly when paired with vegetables. That being said, not all fruits are to be stored the same way. Some fruits should be refrigerated, while others should not.

Fruits that should not be refrigerated include, but are not limited to:

Avocados

Bananas

Tomatoes

Pears

Peaches

Then there are fruits that MUST be refrigerated, which include but are not limited to:

Apples

Melons

Figs

Apricots

Blueberries

Strawberries

Raspberries

What about vegetables?

Most, while not all, vegetables should be refrigerated to keep them as long as possible.

The following vegetables keep for longer periods of time:

Potatoes

Onions

Carrots

Celery

Kale

Winter Squash

Romaine Lettuce

Some vegetables should be eaten within the first couple of days, such as:

Mushrooms

Asparagus

Artichokes

Broccoli

Green Beans

Asparagus

Experts also recommend that vegetables (and fruits for that matter) not be washed before storing. Washing them beforehand can promote the growth of bacteria, thus speeding up the "spoiling" process.

That being said, make sure you wash all produce thoroughly and dry well before enjoying it.

Make sure that you've washed your hands with warm soapy water before you tackle the food. The food should be washed with cold water and without any soaps or detergents. For more stubborn foods such as potatoes or mushrooms, it's best to use a small vegetable scrubber.